BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE St. Kitts Cricket Association (SKCA) has opposed the decision to allow the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) to play their Final Four matches at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium, starting this evening (Jul. 15).
This decision came in light of the Cricket Association having scheduled the completion of their Nagico Windsor University Keith Athurton T20 league at that venue this weekend.
In an interview with the President of the SKCA, Dennis Phillip, he gave his association’s stance indicating that they are objecting to it on a number of grounds.
“One, the Cricket Association has yet to finish its T20 league we started in Conaree. We paused to accommodate CPL because they were using not only Warner Park but Conaree as well. We wanted to come back this weekend; we actually put out press releases saying this would take place. However, in the interim, we heard an ad that was advertising the use of the facility by the Football Association.
“Approaching the Ministry of Sport in the Director and Permanent Secretary, they were not aware either. They became aware just like us and the decision was made by the Minister.
“While we understand the Ministry made the decision and has the authority to do so, we believe the Cricket Association should have been consulted. The Football Association erred in going directly to him and the Minister himself not having any discussions with us.”
Phillip stated that the T20 league had to be postponed and was due to resume after the CPL games, but after the CPL they had to pack up quickly at Warner Park “and get out of the way”.
“We find that the Football Association should at least, after the Music Festival, put some interest into their facility. Additionally, they could have postponed their tournament considering that we wanted to use there.”
Phillip fears that would bring division among footballer and cricketers.
“Cricketers may not want to go to football if it is being played at Warner Park Cricket Stadium.”
He stated that the SKCA had objected to moving but indicated that they are powerless because they do not own the facility.”
Going forward, Phillip indicated that they would have to push back the league at least one more week.
“We are hoping to have a match that is not the Semis or Finals so we can rebuild the momentum heading into the Semis and Finals.”
He also stated that shortly after that they would head straight into a 35-over competition which would lead down to October.
